If you don’t follow me on Insta or Twitter (which you totally should), I shared the news that I was selected to be KeyNote speaker at American University’s Washington Semester Program orientation. It was an honor just being there – I would not have expected to be back in Washington so soon!
I spoke to the students about my personal life, work ethic and experience in the semester program last year. My theme was taking the best out of each experience no matter the circumstance. Of course I used my mother as a primary inspiration (PS: It’s her birthday, today!)
I got so much positive feedback and left the campus touched. The amount of students that came up to me with questions and kind words was overwhelming – in a good way, of course! I was so happy to be of inspiration and it made me even happier to see so many attentive faces, wanting to listen to my unfinished story. Super humbling.
After the orientation and Dean’s Reception, I was free to go! I spent Wednesday to Saturday relaxing in my gorgeous and hospitable hotel, having brunch and dinner with bloggers, and taking walks in our scenic capital.
The beautiful Jasmin of Jasmin Daily and I met up for dinner at The Mission. It was so awesome seeing her! She’s one of the bloggers I met last year and it was great to reunite. I also had dinner with Buki of Style with Buki at Cuba Libre! Ah, it was great catching up – with great food, too! We talked the blog life, of course.
Friday was brunch day with Leyla of Beyond Her Curls and Jackie of The Modalista. I’ve been following both on Instagram for some time now and since I knew I was coming, we arranged a meet up! The Open City Restaurant was the place to be. Their bubbly personalities made brunch light and airy; we hit it off right away!
Saturday, I packed my bags, checked out and had brunch for one at The Firefly. Because hey, a girl needs time to soak a whirlwind of days all in.
It felt so unreal being there and I enjoyed every minute. I left feeling refreshed and relaxed. I couldn’t wait to share the details of my trip with you guys!
So happy to see you continuing to do amazing work and inspiring so many!
Omg, Michelle!!! So good to hear from you! Thank you so much. Hope you’re well!
Hi, Tarah!! Back from a long hiatus and writing again. 🙂 Thank you! As always, looking forward to your next post!
Looking forward to catching up, girly! So happy you’re back!
Congratulations, great post, always good to see women doing well 🙂
Thanks for your support, love! Women supporting women is always great thing to see!
Love the ensemble your wore as a Keynote Speaker! You have so much inspiration to offer. Seems like you had a great time! Meeting up with other style/lifestyle bloggers is something I wish to do soon. Hop you have a great week! Xx
A| https://norulejuststyle.wordpress.com/
I meant to say I “hope” you have a great week! LOL.
This outfit is fabulous! Also glad to hear you are using your gifts to inspire and empower others. Congratulations again.
Dagny! Thank you so much, love! I hope all is well on your end ❤
That outfit is so chic and stylish, I’m loving your style!
https://theinsiderdaily.wordpress.com/
Thank you, Rachel! 🙂
This is actually one of my favorite post I have ever read in WordPress truly tog made me feel like I was there with you and your photos are breath taking the beauty about the blogging world you get to meet so many amazing people hopefully we meet one day ☺️🤗
Aw that’s an awesome compliment! Thank you so very much! Hope we get to meet one day, too — where are you based?
New York City
Oh, I’m in NJ — we can totally make that happen!
I’m in love with your purple coat! Great post!
Thank you, Taniqua! It’s a weird grey/muave/purple color that appears more purple in photos lol. It’s from ASOS.
Awwe… I love the outfit you wore for your speaking arrangement and it sounds like you were an inspiration to many. I am a little jealous you met other bloggers and find it very awesome at the same time!
Thanks so much, Gema! Haven’t heard from you in awhile 🙂 And don’t be jealous! Arrange your own meet up 🙂
What a great post! Really felt like I was there with you, awesome photos! xo.
Thanks so much, Suzanne! Happy to hear 🙂 Hope you’re having an awesome weekend.
Oh really everything so chic, as you too. Congrats ❤
Thanks so much! 🙂